Balloon Inflation Time for Esophageal Strictures (BITES): A Randomized Multi-Center Study (NCT07100379) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
Balloon Inflation Time for Esophageal Strictures (BITES): A Randomized Multi-Center Study
United States128 participantsStarted 2025-10-28
Plain-language summary
Esophageal atresia (EA) is one of the most common gastrointestinal congenital anomalies that affects 1 in 2500 to 1 in 4000 live births. It is characterized by abnormal development of the esophagus, which requires surgical intervention to be compatible with life. Surgical repair of EA is associated with risk of developing esophageal strictures or narrowing, which nearly affects 40% of cases. Strictures can be treated using endoscopic balloon dilation, which consists of introducing a catheter with a balloon into the esophagus via endoscopy and positioning it across stricture followed by balloon inflation. The inflated balloon is held in position for a set amount of time with the goal to dilate the narrowed area. At this time there are no pediatric studies comparing difference balloon dilation times and outcomes. Our study's goal is to evaluate balloon dilation inflation time in treating esophageal anastomotic strictures to understand if inflation time is associated with outcome.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Diagnosed with esophageal atresia with and without tracheoesophageal fistula, surgically repaired esophageal atresia, esophageal anastomotic strictures requiring endoscopic balloon dilation, and at least 1 endoscopic balloon dilation for esophageal anastomotic strictures within a 6 month period.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Patients who need endoscopic incisional therapy to manage anastomotic stricture during their first follow up endoscopy, patients requiring administration of intralesional steroid within 4 weeks of repair, have no follow up endoscopy within 6 months period, have any anastomosis type other than esophago-esophageal (e.g. jejunal or colonic interposition), and/or failure to meet target dilation time.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.